My parents are separated. One of my friends asked me about my dad, and I found it hard to even sputter, "I don't like to talk about it." I could tell she was embarrassed and so was I. Is there a way for it to be less awkward?

Dear Embarrassed,

Next time someone asks about your parents, it's okay to shrug and say, "It's not my favorite subject," and then say something (anything!) else. Use schoolwork, a TV show, whatever to spark the new direction of the conversation. You're not the only girl with parents who aren't together, and someday soon you may find that you will feel like opening up with certain friends.